Post-partum depression typically affects women after the first few months post pregnancy, but a recent study done by the Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology has shown that the disorder also drastically affects young fathers as well.

According to Jezebel, “The study found that 9.7 percent of dads suffer from postpartum depression during their child’s first year [post baby], whereas 9.4 percent of mothers do.”

Men under the age of 30 are affected much more than older men because they are taking a more active role in parenting, often staying up late with the baby, suffering from lack of sleep. At least 40% of men who participated in the study suffered from it.

Jan Nicholson, the co-author of the study, suggests that men should also be screened for postnatul depression,

“This study shows, however, men are vulnerable too, because they are also lacking in sleep and juggling roles and responsibilities … We need to be detecting at-risk fathers early and responding early, because we know [mental health issues] are harder to treat if they are prolonged.”

Do you know any man who has suffered from postpartum depression?